Things to Do in Netherlands in February

Introduction

February in the Netherlands is a month of contrasts: crisp winter air, shorter days, and a unique charm that sets it apart from the bustling spring and summer seasons. While the famous tulip fields won’t bloom until March, February offers a quieter, more intimate experience of Dutch culture—from canal-side cafes and world-class museums to the vibrant Carnival celebrations in the south. This guide provides everything you need to plan a memorable trip, with verifiable specifics on weather, activities, costs, and logistics.

Weather in February: What to Expect

February is one of the coldest months in the Netherlands, but it’s also a time when the country can surprise you with clear, sunny days or classic grey skies. Here are the key weather stats based on long-term averages (1991–2020) from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI):

- Average high temperature: 6°C (43°F)
- Average low temperature: 1°C (34°F)
- Days with precipitation: 12–14 days (rain, snow, or sleet)
- Average snowfall: 5–8 cm (2–3 inches), primarily in the eastern and northern provinces
- Sunshine hours: 3–4 hours per day (daylight: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM by end of February)
- Wind speed: 15–20 km/h (9–12 mph), with occasional gusts up to 40 km/h (25 mph)

Regional variations:
- Amsterdam/Randstad: Milder, with more rain than snow. Temperatures hover around 2–7°C (36–45°F).
- Maastricht/Limburg: Slightly warmer (3–8°C / 37–46°F), but also more prone to fog in the river valleys.
- Groningen/Friesland: Colder, with more frequent frost and occasional snow. Lows can drop to -3°C (27°F) at night.

Packing tip: Layering is essential. A waterproof coat, insulated boots, gloves, and a scarf are non-negotiable. February’s damp cold can feel raw, especially near canals.

Best Activities and Experiences in February

1. Explore World-Class Museums (Indoor Escapes)

February’s weather makes it ideal for diving into the Netherlands’ rich cultural heritage. Most museums are open year-round, with shorter queues than in peak season.

- Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam): Home to Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid. Tickets: €22.50 for adults (online booking recommended). Open daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
- Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam): Houses the world’s largest Van Gogh collection. Tickets: €20 (adults), free for under-18s. Book at least 2 weeks in advance for February.
- Mauritshuis, The Hague (Plein 29, 2511 CS The Hague): Features Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring. Tickets: €18.50 for adults. Open Tue–Sun 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.
- Anne Frank House, Amsterdam (Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam): Tickets: €16 for adults. Note: February is less crowded than summer, but tickets still sell out weeks ahead—book online at least 3–4 weeks in advance.

Pro tip: Many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month (e.g., Rijksmuseum, but limited to 10,000 visitors). Check individual websites in January for 2025 dates.

2. Canal Cruises in Winter

A canal cruise is a quintessential Dutch experience, and February offers a unique perspective: mist rising off the water, fewer boats, and the chance to see Amsterdam’s 17th-century gabled houses under a winter sky.

- Lovers Canal Cruises (Prins Hendrikkade 25, 1012 TM Amsterdam): 1-hour winter cruises with heated cabins. Tickets: €16–€20 for adults (online discount). Departures every 30 minutes from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.
- Flagship Amsterdam (Stadhouderskade 501, 1071 ZD Amsterdam): Small open boats with blankets and hot drinks. 75-minute tours: €25 per person. Book online for February availability.
- Utrecht Canal Cruise: Utrecht’s wharf cellars (unique canal-level restaurants) are especially atmospheric in winter. Rederij Schutte offers 1-hour tours from Oudegracht: €14.50 for adults.

3. Ice Skating (If Weather Permits)

February is the peak month for natural ice skating in the Netherlands, though it depends on a sustained cold snap. The 11-city skating tour (Elfstedentocht) hasn’t been held since 1997 due to mild winters, but local rinks and frozen canals offer alternatives.

- Jaap Edenbaan, Amsterdam (Radioweg 6, 1098 NJ Amsterdam): Outdoor ice rink, open late October to early March. Admission: €9.50 for adults (skate rental: €6). Hours: Mon–Fri 10:00 AM–9:00 PM, weekends 9:00 AM–8:00 PM.
- De Uithof, The Hague (Jaap Edendreef 5, 2544 ER The Hague): Indoor ice rink with a 400-meter track. Admission: €12.50 (skate rental: €5). Open daily.
- Natural ice: If temperatures drop below -5°C (23°F) for 3+ days, check local news for frozen canals in Friesland (e.g., near Leeuwarden) or the Vecht region. Always skate with caution and follow local safety warnings.

4. Carnival in the South (February 27–March 4, 2025)

Carnival (Carnaval) is a massive celebration in the southern provinces of Limburg and North Brabant, with parades, costumes, and street parties. In 2025, Carnival runs from Thursday, February 27 to Tuesday, March 4.

- Maastricht: The epicenter of Dutch Carnival. Main parade on Sunday, March 2 (free, but expect crowds). Costume rentals at Feestcentrum Maastricht (Boschstraat 74, 6211 AX Maastricht): from €25–€60 per outfit.
- Den Bosch (‘s-Hertogenbosch): Known for its “Bossche” Carnival. Parades on Sunday and Monday. Beer prices at street stalls: €3–€5 for a 0.5L cup.
- Eindhoven: Family-friendly Carnival with a children’s parade on Saturday, March 1. Free entry to most events.

Transport note: NS (Dutch Railways) runs extra trains to southern cities during Carnival. A single ticket from Amsterdam to Maastricht costs €28.50 (2nd class, off-peak). Book via NS International or the NS app.

5. Visit the Keukenhof Gardens (Pre-Season Sneak Peek)

Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden, opens in late March (typically March 20–May 11, 2025). However, February offers a unique opportunity: the Keukenhof Castle and its winter gardens are open year-round. You can see early forced tulips in the greenhouse and walk the grounds for free.

- Keukenhof Castle (Keukenhof 1, 2161 AN Lisse): Admission: €5 for adults (castle tours: €10). Open Tue–Sun 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. The park’s official website (keukenhof.nl) updates winter hours in January.
- Alternative: Visit Tulip Barn (Zuidweg 10, 2181 GK Hillegom), a small family-run farm open year-round. Free entry, but donations welcome. They have a small greenhouse with early blooms.

6. Dutch Food and Drink Experiences

February is perfect for cozying up with hearty Dutch cuisine and local brews.

- Pancake houses: Try Pancake Bakker (Prinsengracht 191, 1015 DS Amsterdam) for traditional Dutch pancakes (€10–€15). Their “spek en stroop” (bacon and syrup) is a classic.
- Erwtensoep (pea soup): Thick, smoky, and served with rye bread and bacon. Best at Haesje Claes (Spuistraat 273, 1012 VR Amsterdam). A bowl costs €12.50.
- Stroopwafels: Freshly made at Albert Cuypmarkt (Amsterdam, open Mon–Sat 9:00 AM–5:00 PM). A warm stroopwafel costs €2.50.
- Craft beer: Visit Brouwerij ‘t IJ (Funenkade 7, 1018 AL Amsterdam) for a flight of 5 beers (€12). Open daily 2:00 PM–8:00 PM.

7. Winter Festivals and Light Events

- Amsterdam Light Festival (ends January 19, 2025—but check for extensions): If you visit in early February, some installations may remain. Canals are lit with art works. Canal cruises: €25–€35.
- Groningen Winter Wonderland (through February 15, 2025): Ice rink, light show, and food market at Grote Markt. Free entry; ice skating: €8 (skate rental: €5).
- Rotterdam Winter Paradise (through February 2, 2025): Ice rink and Christmas market at Binnenrotte. Free entry.

February Events Calendar 2025

| Date | Event | Location | Cost |
|------|-------|----------|------|
| Feb 1–2 | National Museum Weekend | Nationwide | Free entry to many museums (check individual sites) |
| Feb 8–9 | Nijmegen Winter Festival | Nijmegen | Free (ice skating: €10) |
| Feb 14 | Valentine’s Day | Nationwide | Special menus at restaurants (€40–€70 per person) |
| Feb 27–Mar 4 | Carnival | Maastricht, Den Bosch, Eindhoven | Free (costume rental: €25–€60) |
| Feb 28 | King’s Day Warm-Up | Amsterdam, Utrecht | Free (street parties) |

Packing Checklist for February

- Waterproof jacket (wind-resistant, with hood)
- Insulated boots (waterproof, with good grip for icy streets)
- Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
- Wool sweater or fleece
- Scarf, gloves, and beanie (wool or fleece)
- Umbrella (compact, windproof—try HEMA stores for €12)
- Jeans or warm trousers (avoid cotton if rain is expected)
- Swimwear (some hotels have heated pools or saunas)
- Power bank (cold drains phone batteries faster)
- Reusable water bottle (tap water is safe and free)
- Daypack (for museum visits and walking)

Practical Information

Getting Around

- Trains: NS (Dutch Railways) is the primary operator. A single ticket from Amsterdam to Rotterdam costs €16.50 (2nd class, off-peak). Buy via the NS app (free) or at yellow ticket machines. OV-chipkaart (public transport card): €7.50 for the card, then load credit. Valid on trains, trams, buses, and metros.
- Bicycles: February is cold and often wet, but locals still cycle. Rent from MacBike (multiple locations in Amsterdam): €14.75 per day (includes insurance). Tip: Use bike lights (required by law) and lock your bike securely.
- Taxis: Uber is available in major cities. A 10-minute ride in Amsterdam costs €15–€20.

Accommodation

- Budget: Hostels like Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark (dorm bed: €35–€50 per night). Book early for Carnival weekends.
- Mid-range: Hotel V Nesplein (Nes 49, 1012 KD Amsterdam): Double room from €120 per night in February.
- Luxury: Hotel De L’Europe (Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-8, 1012 CP Amsterdam): Double room from €350 per night.

Dining Budget

- Budget meal: €10–€15 (broodje haring, fries, or a pancake)
- Mid-range dinner: €25–€40 per person (3-course, excluding drinks)
- Fine dining: €60–€120 per person (e.g., De Kas in Amsterdam, 3-course lunch: €48)

FAQ

1. Is February a good time to visit the Netherlands?
Yes, if you enjoy fewer crowds, lower prices, and winter atmosphere. Museums and indoor attractions are less busy, and hotel rates can be 20–30% lower than in summer. However, weather is cold and rainy, so pack accordingly.

2. Will the tulips be blooming in February?
No. Tulip season begins in late March (peak: mid-April). However, you can see forced tulips in greenhouses at Keukenhof Castle or Tulip Barn. The outdoor fields remain bare.

3. What is the best way to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city center?
The NS train is fastest (15–20 minutes, €5.80 single ticket, 2nd class). Trains run every 10 minutes from 5:00 AM to midnight. Alternatively, a taxi costs €45–€55 (fixed rate to central Amsterdam).

4. Is Carnival worth attending if I don’t speak Dutch?
Absolutely. Carnival is a visual, music-driven festival. English is widely understood in Maastricht and Den Bosch. The parades and street parties are free, and locals are welcoming. Just wear a costume (any will do) and join in.

5. Are museums open on February 27 (King’s Day warm-up)?
Yes, most museums are open regular hours. However, check individual websites for any modified schedules during Carnival (especially in the south). The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are open daily.

6. What should I do if there’s a snowstorm?
Heavy snow is rare but possible. Public transport (trains, trams) may face delays. Check ns.nl for train updates and 9292.nl for all transport. If stranded, head to a museum or cafe—most are heated and open. In Amsterdam, Cafe de Jaren (Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-22) is a reliable spot with a canal view and free WiFi.